### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Shelemiah**, represented by `{{H8018}}`, means **thankoffering of Jah**. It appears **10 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible and is the name given to nine different Israelites, highlighting its presence during significant periods of Israel's history.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Individuals named **Shelemiah** are found in various roles, particularly during the time of the prophet Jeremiah and the post-exilic restoration. In the final days of Judah, men connected to this name were officials interacting with Jeremiah. For instance, King Zedekiah `{{H6667}}` sent Jehucal `{{H3081}}` the son of **Shelemiah** to the prophet [[Jeremiah 37:3]]. Another **Shelemiah** was the father of Abdeel `{{H5655}}`, who was commanded by the king to take `{{H3947}}` both Baruch and Jeremiah [[Jeremiah 36:26]]. The name is also associated with gatekeepers and civic leaders. A gatekeeper named **Shelemiah** was assigned the eastward `{{H4217}}` gate by lot `{{H1486}}` [[1 Chronicles 26:14]], while a priest named **Shelemiah** was appointed as a treasurer over the treasuries `{{H214}}` by Nehemiah [[Nehemiah 13:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which individuals named Shelemiah appear:
* `{{H3414}}` **Yirmeyâh** (Jeremiah): Multiple men named Shelemiah are connected to the prophet **Jeremiah**, either as ancestors of his associates or as fathers of the officials who opposed him ([[Jeremiah 37:3]], [[Jeremiah 37:13]], [[Jeremiah 38:1]]).
* `{{H3548}}` **kôhên** (priest): One Shelemiah was a **priest** entrusted with significant responsibility as a treasurer during the time of Nehemiah's reforms [[Nehemiah 13:13]].
* `{{H8179}}` **shaʻar** (gate): The name is linked to the crucial role of gatekeeping. The lot for the eastward **gate** fell to Shelemiah [[1 Chronicles 26:14]], and his grandson, Irijah, was a captain at the **gate** of Benjamin `{{H1144}}` [[Jeremiah 37:13]].
* `{{H2388}}` **châzaq** (to seize, be strong, repair): The son of a Shelemiah participated in the vital work of restoration, where Hananiah **repaired** a piece of the Jerusalem wall [[Nehemiah 3:30]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H8018}}` is seen through the diverse roles of the men who bore the name:
* **Officials in the Court of Judah:** Shelemiah is the name of ancestors to several key figures during Jeremiah's ministry, including Jucal `{{H3116}}` and Irijah `{{H3376}}`, placing the name in the middle of the political turmoil surrounding the prophet ([[Jeremiah 38:1]], [[Jeremiah 37:13]]).
* **Guardians of the Temple:** In a position of great trust, one Shelemiah was a gatekeeper [[1 Chronicles 26:14]]. Another, a priest `{{H3548}}`, was made a faithful `{{H539}}` treasurer over the temple storehouses `{{H214}}` [[Nehemiah 13:13]].
* **Participants in Restoration:** The name appears among those rebuilding Jerusalem after the exile, with one Shelemiah's son helping to repair `{{H2388}}` the city wall [[Nehemiah 3:30]]. The name is also listed twice among those who had taken foreign wives and were part of Ezra's reforms ([[Ezra 10:39]], [[Ezra 10:41]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8018}}` **Shelemiah** is a name associated with service, authority, and covenant life in Israel. While not a single, prominent figure, the name is carried by at least nine individuals who functioned as officials, priests, gatekeepers, and builders. From the tense political climate of Jeremiah's time to the hopeful reconstruction under Nehemiah and Ezra, the name **Shelemiah** is a recurring thread in the biblical narrative of trial and restoration.
TRV